Shelter has released new figures today

New figures have today revealed nearly 3,000 people are living in Bexley without a permanent roof over their head.

Homelessness charity Shelter has today revealed the borough is among 50 local authorities to have the highest number of people living on the streets or in temporary accommodation.

In total, there are 2,918 people living in temporary housing and 11 people sleeping rough on borough’s streets.

Bexley council says all London boroughs are facing a “significant challenge” to tackle homelessness.

But Labour councillor Mabel Ogundayo, shadow cabinet member for housing allocations said: “Bexley’s Tory council has no answer to solving the housing crisis affecting local families. They have consistently refused to take action against rogue private landlords.”

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It’s shocking to think that today, people in Britain are waking up homeless. Some will have spent the night shivering on a cold pavement, others crammed into a dingy, hostel room with their children. And what is worse, many are simply unaccounted for.

“On a daily basis, we speak to hundreds of people and families who are desperately trying to escape the devastating trap of homelessness. A trap that is tightening thanks to decades of failure to build enough affordable homes and the impact of welfare cuts.

“As this crisis continues to unfold, the work of our frontline services remains absolutely critical. We will do all we can to make sure no-one is left to fight homelessness on their own. But we cannot achieve this alone; we urgently need the public’s support to be there for everyone who needs us right now.”

A spokesperson from the council said: “Bexley has experienced significantly increased demand from homeless households and this has meant that we have had increasing numbers of households supported in temporary accommodation.

“There are currently approximately 900 households who have been accepted as homeless and are waiting in temporary accommodation for a suitable permanent property to become available.

“We are working to increase the supply of permanent affordable rented housing. We are also providing support to help prevent homelessness, including low cost loans through Kent Savers. In addition we provide support to households seeking to secure alternative private rented accommodation.”

Christmas 2018 and the Northern Lights are welcomed to Bexleyheath on Saturday, November 17 with a spectacular mix of music and dance from stilt walkers to bhangra dancers, and acoustic artists to fire shows.